Bamboo Flooring

An Overview About Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is a type of naturally growing material covering the surface. It has many hardwood flooring features despite being produced from a certain type of grass. Some of their similarities are that both bamboo and hardwood flooring have the same benefits, drawbacks, and vulnerabilities.

Bamboo flooring has attracted a lot of attention ever since it was introduced many decades ago. It is said to be engineered which is clear indication that the said strands of grass are sliced and then shredded after which they are pressed back together using glues and heat forming the flooring boards.

Bamboo can be carbonized for the purpose of darkening the surface as it is lighter in colour. Also, carbonized bamboo flooring is known to be softer than the natural bamboo. Bamboo flooring normally costs $6.5 per square foot which is approximately the same as the common types of hardwood flooring. Installing this bamboo flooring involves nailing or glueing it to a subfloor. Pro installation usually adds to approximately $4 per square foot.

Below are the main characteristics of bamboo:-

It is very durable.

Its stem outer layer is quite strong and dense.

It is both elastic and flexible.

It does have knots or rays as compared to hardwood.

Bamboo flooring benefits

It is water resistant- Bamboo flooring is made from a material that is more water resistant reducing stains and damage caused by water.

It makes use of natural material- Bamboo flooring is made from a natural material which plays a big role in the current construction industry.

It is sold at a favourable price- The bamboo flooring material is sold at a price that is approximately the same as that of the hardwood floors ranging from $2 to $8

It is durable- Some categories of bamboo are strong, durable and hard like the case of un-carbonized, natural bamboo and strand woven bamboo.

It is ecologically friendly- This is because bamboo comes from natural vegetation and it is also capable of growing to maturity as less as 3 to 5 years when compared to hardwood trees which take at least 20 years to reach maturity.

It is easy for maintenance- Bamboo flooring only requires vacuuming or sweeping it regularly so as to remove the small particle debris.

It adds an ineffable quality to a room as it has a feel and an appearance that is distinct and different from the hardwood.

Bamboo Flooring Drawbacks

Bamboo flooring installation can be severely damaged by a flood despite the fact stated that it is water resistant. This is because being a natural material, it is made up of organic elements that are likely to cause excessive moisture, warping it or allowing mold to grow.

If installed in a very humid place, the floor planks are likely to plump as a result of the moisture in the air. On the other hand, the planks are likely to shrink if installed in a dry environment.

No independent system that can use to rate bamboo material quality making it hard to get a high-quality material.

Bamboo planks dark in colour are softer as a result carbonization process that is used for colouring the wood weakening it.

It is environmentally ambiguous- This is because some forests are currently cut down and bamboo fields replaced instead for commercial reasons.

Bamboo flooring is normally associated with scratches as a result of tiny particles and small grit of dirt or sand, furniture legs, high heels and pet claws.